“One train carriage went off the track, taking another carriage with it,” said a spokesman for the regional government.

“The wounded have been evacuated to various hospitals.”

Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero was informed of the tragedy during an official visit to India. Reports said he was considering heading home.

Spain’s King Juan Carlos offered his condolences, as did Pope Benedict ahead of his visit this weekend for the World Meeting of Families event. The pontiff is said to have gone to his private chapel to pray for the victims.